In the Projectroom and Experimental Space, Pavel Šimíček is currently showing his work alongside that of Kateřina Adamová as part of the exhibition Extra/Ordinary (until 26 February 2023).

PAVEL ŠIMÍČEK consistently works with a matter-of-fact combination of natural and technological forms. He is interested in the fractal multiplication of elements within a structure, and in his objects and site-specific installations he often references the concept of a ubiquitous and constantly changing form that infiltrates its surroundings without regard to material reality. Over the past several years, he has created a series of variable architectures composed of vertical segments that distantly refer to the imaginary floating island of Laputa. In describing his inspiration for these works, Šimíček speaks of the basic characteristics of sculptural work: ‘The idea of a floating island appeals to me as a sculptor mainly as a mythical vision of renouncing physical mass. A sculptor must constantly address questions of stability, weight and how to work the sculpture, but also its fragility and durability. The island of Laputa floats despite its clearly visible mass. And that is amazing. I am trying to find a form that can make matter levitate.’ The first works in this series, Laputa I and II (2019), were made using concrete impressions of actual weathered soil from a specific place in northern New Zealand. For Laputa III (2021) – currently installed in the GASK gardens – Šimíček worked with a structure of hexagonal prisms resembling palisades of magmatic basalt. Extra/Ordinary includes a romantic version, Laputa-Riverbed (2022), which combines clusters of subtle hexagonal verticals with an expressive plaster mountain. For this piece, Šimíček was captivated by the fractal form of the lines and their branching, which was produced by the natural flow/stream of water in the landscape. Laputa V (2022), which is installed by the entrance to the first floor of the south wing of the Jesuit College in Kutná Hora, possesses a clearly industrial form – but it, too, is inspired by nature.

PAVEL ŠIMÍČEK (1981) attended Prague’s Academy of Fine Arts in 2003–2009 (Sculpture Studio II, J. Zeithamml). During his studies he did an exchange in M. Knížák’s studio (2007) and with M. Jetelová in the Šaloun Studio of the Visiting Artist (2008). He has participated in a number of sculpture symposia, including Dialogue of Generations Berlin–Prague, Berlin, 2005; Almería, Spain (marble), 2006; Flur, Markneukirchen, Germany (1st Prize), 2006; and Rawabi, Palestine (stone), 2014. Recent solo exhibitions include Through the Window (AXA Window Displays, Prague, 2019), Achtung! (The White Room, Galerie Pragovka, Prague, 2020) and The Paradox of Easy Discipline (with I. Krupicová, Studio Prám, Prague, 2022). Selected group exhibitions: Nothing to Show Off…?, Kateřinská zahrada, Prague, 2008; Stepping into Space, Gallery of Fine Art, Most, 2009; Sculptures in the Garden, Kroměříž, 2010; Compôte, Botanical Garden, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Prague, 2012; Sculptures in the Garden III, Kroměříž, 2012; Pragovka 45, Former Pragovka Factory, Prague, 2013; The Power of Three, Klatovy/Klenová Gallery, 2013; Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea), Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace, Prague City Gallery, Prague, 2013; Prague Subthreshold, Berlínskej model, Prague, 2015; Flying Inn, Pragovka Gallery, Prague, 2019; and Monastery Garden 2021, Broumov, 2021.